Specsavers joins awareness-raising walk about dementia

Devon opticians and audiologists braved driving rain and wind to help raise awareness about dementia.

The teams from Specsavers stores in Paignton and Totnes were among many determined people taking part in the World Walks Against Dementia event, organised by the Purple Angel charity.

Walkers gathered on Torre Abbey Green before battling challenging weather to stride three miles to Paignton.

The two Specsavers stores, which are locally owned and run, are still receiving donations for their sponsored participation in the walk, and they also raffled off a hamper to boost the fundraising further.

Karen Stone, joint director at the Paignton store, said: ‘The walk was amazing. We got soaked to the skin, but it was all so worth it.

‘There was a lovely atmosphere on the walk, with everyone coming together for this really important cause.

‘We’ve been supporting the Purple Angel charity since last December, providing funds and inviting the charity into our stores to give dementia training to staff so they can get firsthand insights into what visiting shops is like for someone with dementia.’

The Purple Angel charity was founded in 2012 by Torquay’s Norman ‘Norrms’ McNamara, who was diagnosed with dementia at only 50 years of age.

Its work quickly spread across Britain and then the world, with volunteers raising awareness about dementia in communities and with businesses.

Thousands of people in countries as far flung as Canada, India, Kosovo, New Zealand and Zambia organised their own World Walks Against Dementia, raising much-needed funds.

Norrms said: ‘It was wonderful to see the Paignton and Totnes Specsavers teams on the walk. We’re really grateful to them for their support in recent months.

‘The event was a huge success and it’s always inspiring to know that so many people are passionate about improving the lives of people with dementia.

‘We’re really thankful for everyone who took part in World Walks Against Dementia in South Devon, as well as many countries around the planet.’

There are currently around 850,000 people with dementia in the UK. Dementia describes a group of different brain disorders that can trigger a loss of brain function, including memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, learning capacity, language, and judgment. These conditions are all usually progressive and can eventually become severe.

For further information about the Purple Angel charity, go online at https://purpleangel-global.com/